Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD.

DEUTERONOMY 9:7KJV
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Deuteronomy 9:7 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 9:7 mean?

Deuteronomy 9:7 tells the Israelites to remember, and not forget, how they angered the LORD their God in the wilderness by being rebellious from the time they left Egypt until they reached their current location. The verse highlights the people's ongoing disobedience toward God during their journey.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the promised land. He reminds them of their history since leaving Egypt, emphasizing that their relationship with God has been marked by repeated acts of rebellion. The verse sets the stage for Moses to explain why God’s favor is not based on Israel’s righteousness, but on God’s own promises and mercy.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 9:7

  • "Remember" (זָכַר, zakar, H2142) and "forget" (שָׁכַח, shakach, H7911) are paired to stress the importance of actively keeping past failures in mind, not just passively letting them slip away.
  • "Rebellious" (מָרָה, marah, H4784) means more than just making mistakes; it carries the sense of stubborn resistance or defiance against authority, highlighting the seriousness of Israel’s actions.
  • "Wrath" (קָצַף, qatsaph, H7107) refers to a strong anger, especially in response to provocation, showing that God’s reaction was not minor irritation but a deeply offended response to their behavior.
  • "Wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar, H4057) refers to the desert area where Israel wandered, reminding the reader of the hardships and testing that took place during that period.

Why Deuteronomy 9:7 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Israel’s journey was marked by constant faithfulness; instead, it stresses a pattern of rebellion that Moses wants them to remember.
  • Deuteronomy 9:7 emphasizes that God’s relationship with Israel is not based on their goodness but on His faithfulness, which is a key theme in the surrounding chapters.
  • The reminder to "remember and not forget" sets a tone for honest self-reflection, urging the people to approach God with humility rather than pride as they move forward.

Where else these words appear

“from” Hebrew H4480 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 2:6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.
  • Leviticus 9:10 But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Kings 6:16 And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.

“against” Hebrew H5973 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Genesis 48:12 And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
  • 1 Samuel 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

“wrath” Hebrew H7107 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 40:2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.
  • Deuteronomy 9:22 And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibrothhattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath.
  • Isaiah 47:6 I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

“rebellious” Hebrew H4784 · used in 43 verses

  • Numbers 20:10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
  • 1 Kings 13:26 And when the prophet that brought him back from the way heard thereof, he said, It is the man of God, who was disobedient unto the word of the LORD: therefore the LORD hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake unto him.
  • Isaiah 1:20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.